Monster Mama

Philomel Books. NY. 1993. First edition, first printing (full number line). "First Impression" stated. No markings or names inside or out. Pictorial boards-match dj. Navy blue endpapers. Book-fine. Original, unclipped dj ($14.95). Dj has very light edgewear, else fine. Dj-VG+. In archival protector. To Patrick Edward, his mother is the best mother in the world, even if shePhilomel Books. NY. 1993. First edition, first printing (full number line). "First Impression" stated. No markings or names inside or out. Pictorial boards-match dj. Navy blue endpapers. Book-fine. Original, unclipped dj ($14.95). Dj has very light edgewear, else fine. Dj-VG+. In archival protector. To Patrick Edward, his mother is the best mother in the world, even if she is a little strange. He is particularly amazed and proud when his fierce monster mother helps him deal with some obnoxious bullies! Wonderfully original pictures by Caldecott Award winner, Stephen Gammell. A nice, clean copy....more

Community Reviews

Odd and interesting picture book about a small boy whose mother appears to be a monster. How or why this is the case (is she a mutant? something supernatural? is it a metaphor?) is not addressed, nor do we know how the community feels about this semi-reclusive* monster in their midst other than that "her bad moods terrified the neighborhood." What is important is that her son loves her, and she loves and protects (in a non-stifling, independence-encouraging way) him. And that you should not steaOdd and interesting picture book about a small boy whose mother appears to be a monster. How or why this is the case (is she a mutant? something supernatural? is it a metaphor?) is not addressed, nor do we know how the community feels about this semi-reclusive* monster in their midst other than that "her bad moods terrified the neighborhood." What is important is that her son loves her, and she loves and protects (in a non-stifling, independence-encouraging way) him. And that you should not steal other people's special fancy desserts.

*The son appears to do the shopping etc and the mother doesn't meet people, but she does drive him to school on rainy days, in a concealing hooded cape....more

Imagine that your mother was actually a terrifying monster that scares anyone who comes across her, but you still love your mother anyway because, she is your mother! That is what happens in this story called “Monster Mama” which was written by Liz Rosenberg along with illustrations by Stephen Gammell and children everywhere will definitely enjoy reading this book about loving your parents for who they are.

Patrick Edward was a young boy who was extremely wonderful, but his mother is a monster anImagine that your mother was actually a terrifying monster that scares anyone who comes across her, but you still love your mother anyway because, she is your mother! That is what happens in this story called “Monster Mama” which was written by Liz Rosenberg along with illustrations by Stephen Gammell and children everywhere will definitely enjoy reading this book about loving your parents for who they are.

Patrick Edward was a young boy who was extremely wonderful, but his mother is a monster and she lived in a cave at the back of their house. Even though his mother was a monster, she truly cared for her son Patrick Edward as she tended to him when he was sick and taught him magic spells that could put anyone to sleep. One day, Monster Mama, whom Patrick Edward affection ally calls her, wanted Patrick Edward to pick up some strawberries for a dessert she wants to make. So, Patrick Edward decides to go to the new market across town and buy some strawberry tarts. Unfortunately, Patrick Edward meets up with some bullies who start torturing him.

“Monster Mama” is one children’s book that I hold dearly to my heart ever since I was child and not only did it have some really awesome illustrations and a really creative story, but the message about loving your parents for who they are is one that stayed with me for a long time. Liz Rosenberg has done an excellent job at writing this story as I loved the main character Patrick Edward as he is shown to be a tough yet friendly little boy who dearly loves his mother, even though she is a monster. I loved the message that Liz Rosenberg was sending out to the audience about the importance of loving your parents no matter what they look like or act like and it was great seeing Patrick Edward show so much love for his mother and I really loved the way that Monster Mama loved Patrick Edward so much. Stephen Gammell’s illustrations are perfectly suited for this story as there are splatters of paint littered all over the pages, giving the story a chaotic feel. I also loved the appearance of Monster Mama herself as she is always wearing a white dress, but her hair is so messy, she has sharp claws and she has sharp teeth that makes her look so menacing.

The only problem that young children might have with this book is that the illustrations do look a bit scary. Since Stephen Gammell’s illustrations have splatters of paint all over the pages and the characters having wild looking hair and faces, they might scare smaller children. The appearance of Monster Mama herself might scare younger children since she does look menacing, especially whenever she is angry as her eyes glow read and her sharp teeth really shows.

Overall, “Monster Mama” is a truly brilliant story for children who love monster stories and who love reading stories about the importance of loving your parents no matter what they look like. I would recommend this book to children’s ages five and up since the illustrations might scare smaller children.

A beautiful children's book about a little boy who has a special kind of mama.

A Monster Mama!!

Monster Mama is indeed that... A monster! She lives in a cave at the back of the house and teaches her little boy how to do magic and roar.

But Patrick Edward isn't a monster. He just has a one as his Mama.

One day Mama tells Patrick Edward to go pick up some desert from the market. On the way he gets bullied by three mean kids. Monster Mama hears this from her cave and runs down there to make things righA beautiful children's book about a little boy who has a special kind of mama.

A Monster Mama!!

Monster Mama is indeed that... A monster! She lives in a cave at the back of the house and teaches her little boy how to do magic and roar.

But Patrick Edward isn't a monster. He just has a one as his Mama.

One day Mama tells Patrick Edward to go pick up some desert from the market. On the way he gets bullied by three mean kids. Monster Mama hears this from her cave and runs down there to make things right.

In the end they all become friends and Monster Mama saves the day even if she doesn't like people to see her.

This is a fantastic book for your older little one. If you child is into monsters and ghosts then this book is for them!

Love this book and think it is a children's classic. I agree it's too scary for a 2 year old but my 5 year old adores it and she's very sensitive to scary stuff. I DO think it's hilarious and warm and cozy and all those things the back cover claims. It's a crime this book is out of print. I've never found anything quite like it to tell about the love between parents and children. Yes, you can read it as a parable for mothers who are different for any number of reasons-- being single, or handicapLove this book and think it is a children's classic. I agree it's too scary for a 2 year old but my 5 year old adores it and she's very sensitive to scary stuff. I DO think it's hilarious and warm and cozy and all those things the back cover claims. It's a crime this book is out of print. I've never found anything quite like it to tell about the love between parents and children. Yes, you can read it as a parable for mothers who are different for any number of reasons-- being single, or handicapped, being unusual or artistic--but then who among us is NOT different in some way? That's what makes it universal. Absolutely fabulous story, told without a hitch. Mostly I love the art work too and the energy of the art. ...more

Awesome illustrations!Touching and Strange.There are no notes in the book, but when I began reading it I immediately wondered if it had been written by someone who has been affected in some way by a bipolar disorder, manic depression, or some other up down and all around mental illness. I don't think that the reviews on the back cover are very accurate. Words like "hilarious", "cozy", and "tender" (from three different blurbs) don't really seem to fit in my eyes.....words that come to my mind arAwesome illustrations!Touching and Strange.There are no notes in the book, but when I began reading it I immediately wondered if it had been written by someone who has been affected in some way by a bipolar disorder, manic depression, or some other up down and all around mental illness. I don't think that the reviews on the back cover are very accurate. Words like "hilarious", "cozy", and "tender" (from three different blurbs) don't really seem to fit in my eyes.....words that come to my mind are...unfortunate, difficult, wild, cope, comprimise, dedicated, disturbed....I think that this might be a little much for my sweet, smart, sensitive, inquizative five year old....maybe in another year or two I'll try reading this to him. The illustrations are like a bad trip, and the image/idea of a boy being bound to a tree by bullies may be a touch too disturbing for/to him.I would definitely recommended this to others, but I would suggest reading it yourself before sharing it with your child......more

I will never stop reading or buying childrens books. Now that I have a Niece I have an "excuse", but it really just means I have to buy TWO :-) This book has amazing illustrations and the proclamation "Death to all Tyrants!"... really... couldn't be better!

Patrick Edward's mother has bad moods, unpredictable behavior, and lives at the back of the house in a cave...she is a "monster mama". But even with her bad moods, she has the sweetest touch, great advice, and she loves Patrick Edward very much. One day, Patrick Edward goes into town to buy supplies for a sweet dessert but he is stopped by three horrible bullies. Will his mother's advice help him? Can his monster mama protect him?

This book has a great message and can be used to simply tell a stoPatrick Edward's mother has bad moods, unpredictable behavior, and lives at the back of the house in a cave...she is a "monster mama". But even with her bad moods, she has the sweetest touch, great advice, and she loves Patrick Edward very much. One day, Patrick Edward goes into town to buy supplies for a sweet dessert but he is stopped by three horrible bullies. Will his mother's advice help him? Can his monster mama protect him?

This book has a great message and can be used to simply tell a story or as a tool to open discussion about parental mental health. The illustrations express the wild and unpredictable emotions/feelings that can arise from having a parent that is "moody" or from having a parent that struggles with a mental health condition. ...more

I just came across this book the other day at work, and I'm surprised I had never seen it before. It's interesting to see the different interpretations of it.

It seems the most common take on it is the love of a parent for their child, and vice versa, even when the parent is not perfect. Some even see this as even possibly alluding to a parent with mental illness, which certainly did not occur to me at first.

I saw the portrayal of the mother as a humorous way of showing (1) how kids often see parI just came across this book the other day at work, and I'm surprised I had never seen it before. It's interesting to see the different interpretations of it.

It seems the most common take on it is the love of a parent for their child, and vice versa, even when the parent is not perfect. Some even see this as even possibly alluding to a parent with mental illness, which certainly did not occur to me at first.

I saw the portrayal of the mother as a humorous way of showing (1) how kids often see parents as being mean monsters because we have to establish rules & discipline (even though this wasn't portrayed in the story), and mostly (2) how any parent, but especially mothers, can turn into a monster when someone messes with their baby! I chuckled when I read it and immediately thought of several other moms I know who would relate to that feeling.

The artwork is a little dark and strange, so may not appeal to younger kids. I think you would have to use your own judgment about whether to read it to a younger child, based on how sensitive he/or she might be. Older kids would probably get a kick out of how Monster Mama made the bullies come home with them and make dessert. This book could definitely be useful in a discussion about how parents are not perfect and may seem like monsters at times, but still love their children.

This is one of the best picture books that I have ever read. Ever. It's one of the few picture books that honestly addresses what it's like to have a parent who isn't perfect. And maybe way less than perfect. I've given it to adults and read it with kids, and everyone likes it. I appreciate picture books with a bit of reality -- even if it's fantastical reality. The art is dark and messy and lovely.

Glorious illustrations. Warm story of maternal love and what a wonderful support that is for a child and how it colors the child's interactions in the world. Kids love the surprising twists in this story as much as the adult who reads it to them.

This is not your average Hallmark feel good children's book. That's exactly why I like it so much. The illustrations, while gorgeous, are a little uncomfortable. A loving mother who prefers to stay hidden at the back of the house than converse with other parents? Sounds like my kind of parenting style. My kids were drawn to this book and we read it over and over again.

When my granddaughter was just a little girl, she loved Monster Momma. We would read it over and over. When she moved to Virginia I recorded it and sent it to her so she could not only hear my voice, but the beloved story. Now she is grown and looking forward to teaching young children. I'm sure this will be one of the books in her own "library". It is a wonderful story about a young boy, his love for his mother, and how she shows bullies it's not always what you see on the outside that counts..When my granddaughter was just a little girl, she loved Monster Momma. We would read it over and over. When she moved to Virginia I recorded it and sent it to her so she could not only hear my voice, but the beloved story. Now she is grown and looking forward to teaching young children. I'm sure this will be one of the books in her own "library". It is a wonderful story about a young boy, his love for his mother, and how she shows bullies it's not always what you see on the outside that counts... it's what's in your heart....more

This is a strange story about a little boy with a monster mama. She literally is a monster in this tale, although perhaps it could stand as a metaphor for a woman with a disfigurement, a terrible disease, a phobia, mental illness or even an addiction that keeps her homebound. The two obviously care greatly for one another and defend each other from taunts and bullies. The story is pretty good, but I wasn't a big fan of the illustrations. We enjoyed reading this story together and I had fun preteThis is a strange story about a little boy with a monster mama. She literally is a monster in this tale, although perhaps it could stand as a metaphor for a woman with a disfigurement, a terrible disease, a phobia, mental illness or even an addiction that keeps her homebound. The two obviously care greatly for one another and defend each other from taunts and bullies. The story is pretty good, but I wasn't a big fan of the illustrations. We enjoyed reading this story together and I had fun pretending to be a monster, too. ...more

Unusual allegory for a kid’s picture book: a child’s relationship with an “impaired” parent. In this case an actual monster mama who doesn’t like to leave the cave in the back of the house. The boy in the story looks small for his age, but he’s independent, resourceful and resilient. Fun and fierce. A picture book w/ bright colors, drips and splatters. Not for very young or easily frightened kids. Could generate some interesting questions. My 4yo nephew requested this book over and over on his lUnusual allegory for a kid’s picture book: a child’s relationship with an “impaired” parent. In this case an actual monster mama who doesn’t like to leave the cave in the back of the house. The boy in the story looks small for his age, but he’s independent, resourceful and resilient. Fun and fierce. A picture book w/ bright colors, drips and splatters. Not for very young or easily frightened kids. Could generate some interesting questions. My 4yo nephew requested this book over and over on his last visit....more

This book is about a boy whose mom is a monster in the best possible sense. She's disheveled and interesting and passionately loves and protects her son.

I picked the book up when the cover caught my eye. All of the illustrations in the book are vivid watercolors with splashes and slashes of paint that fit the mood of the story. I also love that this book is quirky and doesn't have a hint of predictable "then his mother talked to the boys and they all became friends" to it.

If you couldn't tell, I'm big on illustrations in books. If I don't like the pictures I could careless what the story is about. I guess I'm kind of like a little kid in that aspect. This book has beautiful pictures, carrying from page to page; of a little boy and his monster mother. Let's just say she taught him well, becuase when she sent him how for strawberries for dessert a group of bullies learned to never pick on him again.

This book is so wonderful. The boy loves and supports his mother, even though she is a monster. This book could be really helpful for children with family issues to remind them that even though some bad stuff might happen, their parents still love them. The illustrations in the book are really beautiful and can be used to illustrate some different art techniques.

The third grade students I read this to didn't care for the story as much and the illustrations were not cute or endearing. But helped get across the description of monsters and different kinds. The child is taught by his mama to stand up to bullies and does.

this is a picture book with some depth to it, the kind of book that sticks in your memory and ripens with age. it presents a whole view of mothering and the beautiful nurturing that real, imperfect mothers can provide for their children.